Volunteer Application

A conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from volunteering. 

Please read and sign the following waiver before doing volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity of Craven County.

This Release and Waiver of Liability is hereby submitted by the Volunteer named above on the date shown in favor of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Habitat for Humanity of Craven County, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “Habitat”). The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer. The Volunteer does understand that these activities may include but are not limited to: working in Habitat offices and worksites; working in Habitat ReStore operations; loading and unloading materials; traveling to and from work sites; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; assisting in disaster relief areas; constructing and rehabilitant residential buildings; other construction-related activities; and other volunteer activities (“Activities”). I, the Volunteer, understand that my activities may include work that may be hazardous to me or worsen certain illnesses, especially if I do not wear protective equipment, am exposed for extended periods of time or have a pre-existing condition. The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:

1. Release and Waiver. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Volunteer’s activities with Habitat. Volunteer understands this Release discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against Habitat with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, whether caused by the negligence of Habitat or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. Volunteer also understands that Habitat does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness. It is understood and acknowledged that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Habitat worksites while construction is in progress. While minors between the ages of 16-18 may be allowed to participate in some types of construction work, the use of power tools excavation, working on rooftops and similar activities are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of the Guardian to communicate these requirements to the Volunteer who will participate in Activities.

2. Medical Treatment. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat from any liability, claim demand and action whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, transportation or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s activities with Habitat. Volunteer consents to the use of first aid treatment. If an emergency contact cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize Habitat to act as an agent for me to consent to any treatment as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. I also authorize Habitat to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discretion.

3. Insurance. The Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by Habitat in writing; Habitat does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage. I understand that I am responsible for payment for any medical or other services obtained.

4. Confidentiality. I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have access to personal and/or health information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information,, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply with Habitat for applicable policies regarding such information.

5. Photographic Release. Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

6. Other. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of North Carolina, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.

By typing your name below, you are signing the attached Liability Waiver electronically. You agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual/handwritten signature on this Liability Waiver. By typing your name below using any device, means or action, you consent to the legally binding terms and conditions of this Liability Waiver. You further agree that your signature on this document (hereafter referred to as your "E-Signature") is as valid as if you signed the document in writing. You also agree that no certification authority or other third party verification is necessary to validate your E-Signature, and that the lack of such certification or third party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of your E-Signature or any resulting agreement between you and Habitat for Humanity of Craven County. You are also confirming that you are the person authorized to enter into this agreement. You further agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of these Disclosures and Agreement as they exist on the date of your E-Signature on this form.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Code of Conduct

Becoming a Habitat volunteer comes with great rewards and responsibilities. Volunteers like you are representatives of Habitat for Humanity and its ministry. When you accept a volunteer role with Habitat for Humanity, you are committing to act in a way that promotes Habitat’s mission, respects the local community, and ensures the safety of all participants. In addition to complying with all laws, regulations and Habitat for Humanity policies, all volunteers are expected to follow the volunteer code of conduct outlined below.

1. Promote a respectful community: Treat all volunteers, employees and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity. This includes avoiding the use of humiliating, demeaning, offensive, or otherwise insensitive language that fails to respect the dignity of the person. Volunteers are also expected to refrain from engaging in intimidation, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence toward others. Help promote a welcoming, respectful environment by making efforts to understand and honor the local culture and by following all rules and policies set forth by a Habitat program staff member or supervising volunteer.  Use of social media should be governed by the principles of respecting and protecting vulnerable populations while preserving their dignity and privacy. You are discouraged from posting anything on social media that permits beneficiaries from being identified and/or traced.
2. Respect the human rights of all people and protect beneficiaries and community members from exploitation and abuse. All Habitat volunteers must model behavior consistent with the Habitat for Humanity International Safeguarding Policy which protects staff, beneficiaries, and community members (especially vulnerable adults and children) from exploitation and abuse. Inappropriate physical or sexual relationships with other volunteers is prohibited. Under no circumstances, may volunteers engage in sexual activity with a child (a person under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent and local laws), any Habitat staff or beneficiaries, or any community members. This includes not procuring commercial sex acts, even where such activities are permitted by local laws.
3. Prioritize site safety: Safety rules and guidelines on the volunteer site have been created to keep you and others safe as you volunteer and must be followed. Activities that pose a safety risk to yourself or others should be avoided. Report any unsafe working conditions to the onsite supervisor.
4. Uphold a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs and weapons: The purchase or possession of drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity property and volunteer sites. The purchase or possession of alcohol is also strictly prohibited on Habitat for Humanity volunteer sites, even if permitted by local laws or by the laws of the volunteer’s home country.   
5. Follow the gift giving policy: To avoid potential misunderstandings, embarrassment, injured feelings or jealousy, volunteers are asked not to exchange gifts with Habitat beneficiaries, staff members or community members without consulting Habitat staff. Volunteers may speak with a staff member about appropriate ways to exchange gifts and our staff is happy to suggest gifts that will benefit the entire community.
6. Protect ministry assets: Use reasonable care to protect all Habitat for Humanity resources. Stealing, misappropriation or diversion of Habitat for Humanity funds, property, or other assets for personal benefit is not permitted, nor is otherwise engaging in fraudulent activity regarding Habitat for Humanity’s assets, operations, or beneficiaries.
7. Maintain confidentiality: Build trust with other volunteers and Habitat for Humanity by respecting the confidentiality of volunteers, staff, Habitat beneficiaries, and community members. Unless you receive prior written approval from HFHI, you will not disclose confidential HFHI information or confidential information given to you by others.
8. Speak up!: Habitat for Humanity embraces a “see something, say something” culture. If you become aware of potential misconduct, help reinforce our culture of courage and accountability by sharing your concerns with an appropriate Habitat staff or supervising volunteer. You can also anonymously report potential misconduct by reporting a claim to the confidential Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line..

I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to be guided by this volunteer code of conduct.

I commit to helping safeguarding the rights and dignities of all people I encounter during my volunteer service with Habitat.

I understand that I have a responsibility to report any potential misconduct to an appropriate Habitat staff or through the Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line.

I understand that HFHI has the right to release me from my volunteer position at its discretion. I also understand that I am responsible for any costs that I may incur due to a violation of the code of conduct.